The strongest cab Volvo has ever built comes with an emergency escape hatch as standard. According to the world’s toughest crash tests, its drivers have a good chance of survival even in an 80 km/h crash with a stationary object.

The new Volvo FH series has been crash tested over 1,000 times in computer simulations and 20 times in reality. This goes far beyond standard testing. Despite the fact that it’s no longer necessary, Volvo continues to test its vehicles to Swedish standards – known internationally as “The Swedish impact test’’ and “The world’s toughest crash test.”

Simulation and testing have made it possible to build a cab structure that provides maximum protection for the driver. The cabin has become both larger and stronger.

Real life safety

Crash tests confirm the benefits of the new cab structure. The crash dummy survives even the toughest test, a crash at 50 km/h with a truck-shaped fixed barrier. In real life the test is comparable to one of 80 km/h with a stationary truck, and suggests that a driver too, would survive the crash.

“There was never a possibility of us building a cab without an emergency exit”

“With the new FH we’ve had the opportunity to design a cab structure from scratch, without limitations. We’ve taken full advantage of this opportunity to build our safest truck ever,” says Matti Koponen at Volvo Cab Engineering. Unique for Volvo, testing is carried out with all interior fittings in place and storage compartments filled.

“There should be no possibility of getting injured in a crash by something inside the cab. Even the coffee maker should stay in place,” says Ulf Torgilsman, collision specialist at Volvo Cab Engineering.

The world’s first standard escape hatch

Half of all truck accidents end with the vehicle turning over. Getting out through the door when the vehicle is lying on its side can be extremely difficult. And kicking out the windscreen is no longer an option, now that it’s glued in place. The solution is an escape hatch.

“If the windscreen was to be glued in place, there would have to be another way for the driver to escape. It was an absolute demand,” says Ulf Torgilsman, collision specialist.

Skylight by day and escape hatch in an emergency.

A very large sunroof

This is why every Volvo FH now has a skylight that’s built to work as an escape hatch. It measures 50x70 centimetres, which allows even extra large drivers to climb out easily.

What’s more, the skylight meets the demands on emergency exits for trucks transporting inflammable goods, such as petrol and other substances. Another comfort is the ample light that enters the cab through the skylight. This improves the driver’s well-being and reduces the need for electric lighting.

“A pleasant driving environment is also important for safety. It makes it easier for the driver to stay alert. So you could say the escape hatch actually helps to reduce the chances of it being needed in an emergency,” says Matti Koponen at Volvo Cab Engineering. This goes well with Volvo’s aim to build safe trucks.